On the 33rd day of the Writer’s Guild strike, this past Saturday, the Directors Guild and Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television (DGA) struck a deal on a brand new three year contract.
The contract includes a 76% increase in foreign residuals for some of the largest DGA platforms and wage increases, among other things.
Deadline provides a strong breakdown of everything included and discussed for the DGA in the three year deal:
- Artificial Intelligence: Confirming that AI cannot replicate human creativity and expertise.
- High Budget AVOD Terms and Conditions: The first ever terms created in the industry’s history, including creative protection rights, better working conditions and residuals for all scripted projects, even those that are made free through streaming services at no extra cost.
- Wages and Benefits: Never before seen increases in wages and benefits. This includes a 5% percent increase in the first year, 4% percent in the second, and 3.5% in the third year. This contract also includes a fund for leave for new parents.
- Reduction in Hours: The Assistant Director’s day has been decreased by one hour.
- Episodic Directors: Episodic Directors will now receive expanded pay once production concludes. An additional shooting day was also guaranteed for programs that run for one hour. This is the first additional day added for shooting in over 40 years.
- Feature Directors: Feature Directors will finally be compensated for prep that takes place before shooting.
- Non-Dramatic Programs: For reality programs and other non-dramatic shoots, terms and conditions were finally established. Residual payments will be improved for Associate Directors and Stage Managers.
- Global Streaming Residuals: Directors will now have a substantial increase in residual payments for dramatic and scripted programs. This includes a whopping 76% increase meaning that one hour episodes will now be a residual of $90,000 for the first three years.
- Safety: The employment of safety supervisors is now required. There will also be safety training programs introduced for directors and their teams. Ammunition has also been banned on set.
A writer on strike stated that “the WGA takes stand, the DGA reaps the rewards.” Many striking writers feel as this contract did not hit the mark on what writers are striking for, they are vocally expressing disappointment in their sister union for accepting the terms so effortlessly without regard for the Writer’s Guild.
“We went on strike because the studios were devaluing us. From what I read this morning, the DGA agreement only touches on residuals for us. Otherwise, I think it’s impact won’t be much.” Writers are unhappy with the results of this three year contract. Noting that it only increases residuals, nothing else individuals are striking for.
Others are noting that this is certainly a step in the correct direction, veteran showrunner responded to the DGA pact, “the two guilds have a lot of different issues this year, that’s a fact, but no one can say this deal doesn’t change things, the momentum.”
While writers are still unsatisfied with these terms, the internet is on their side. In light of the recent finale of HBO’s Emmy Award winning series Succession, people online are creating memes using the series finale to represent the corporate intrigue and backstabbing of the Directors Guild and Alliance of Motion Pictures and Television in accepting the terms of this three year contract.